A Sea Of Red

With the NCAA reportedly meeting this week (most folks saying tomorrow) to talk about the 5-for-5 eligibility model, this could end up being one of those rule changes that quietly benefits a program like Liberty more than people realize.

If this thing passes and there’s any kind of transition window, the big question for Liberty fans is simple — do seniors who have already played their 4 years suddenly get another season? And if they do, who actually sticks around?

Liberty has been built on development and mostly retention, not just portal shopping. So in theory, giving veteran guys another year could be a huge advantage. Extra year of experience, extra year in the system, extra year of leadership — that’s usually been where Liberty separates itself from some of the bigger-name programs that cycle guys in and out.

But here’s the flip side nobody wants to talk about.

If those seniors do get another year, do they come back to LU… or do they follow the Brett Decker route and test the portal with a free year in their pocket? That’s the real wild card. A veteran player with one more year and no downside suddenly becomes very attractive to power conference programs with deeper NIL pockets. My guess is they hit the portal.

This whole thing could turn into a retention battle as much as a recruiting advantage.

If Liberty keeps most of its veteran core, the 5-for-5 rule could be a major boost — experienced roster, continuity, and fewer holes to fill. But if the extra year just becomes a springboard for guys to leave, then it could create just as many roster headaches as opportunities.

Either way, if this rule actually moves forward after this week’s meeting, it’s going to reshape roster building across college basketball — and Liberty might be one of those programs sitting right in the middle of the impact or those seniors that’s only played 4 years may enter the portal.

TIC TOC one scholarship left!!! NCAA Pres Charlie Baker pushing for this to happen this year emergency legislation. If happens does LU stay firm or juggle roster?

LU Armchair coach wrote: ↑April 23rd, 2026, 1:18 pm TIC TOC one scholarship left!!! NCAA Pres Charlie Baker pushing for this to happen this year emergency legislation. If happens does LU stay firm or juggle roster?

I love this years seniors, but IMHO it's time to move on.

I’m in the same camp. My LU Armchair Coach take is that if this passes, they probably move on. I’m not sure the “5-for-5” rule would even apply to Harper. Smith likely ages out, and Ihnen and JC Schrier are done, which really just leaves Cleveland and Porter—and I’d expect both to move on to another school. That said, Cleveland, Porter, and Schrier have all put in four years at LU.

I expect both Cleveland and Porter to play professionally next year, whether it is G-League or overseas.

Very possible that you may be correct. But if the 5&5 rule passes you lose your $$$$!